Little Women (2019)

Ratings: ⭐⭐½

Louisa May Alcott's much read novel Little Women has been made into countless movies and TV series but that has not stopped yet another adaptation from being made. In the age of widespread women's rights followers and the "Me Too" era, this new adaptation would seem to be a timely exercise and aptly written for the screen and directed by a woman, Greta Gerwig (she of "Lady Bird" fame). Apart from having an acclaimed director at its helm, this timeless coming of age period tale of four sisters set in America during the mid 19th century, also boasts of an impressive cast that includes Emma Watson, Laura Dern, Timothee Chalamet and a supporting appearance by Meryl Streep. So what could go wrong?

Sadly, I have to report that  I found this version to be somewhat of a mess. This is largely due to the confusing timelines that kept inter slicing throughout the length of the movie. The story was basically being told in two timelines seven years apart but the frequency of the timelines shifting back and forth became an annoyance rather than enhance the story telling process. These interchanging scenes were made even more confusing as the actors didn't really looked that much different hence, making it a challenge to the audience to determine which timeline we were watching.This happened so frequently that we needed to ask ourselves this question each time a scene changed.

The casting is also another thing that irked me. The actresses playing the four sisters looked too old when they were playing their younger selves which was a distraction. Timothee Chalamet (who has been well received since his break through role in Call Me By My Name) on the other hand looked far too young in his portrayal of one of the suitors "Laurie" during the scenes when they are supposed to be older. And don't get me started on Meryl Streep. She is merely performing like she is Meryl Streep acting as the super rich and all knowing Aunt March. So much for "the greatest living actress". I suppose we should at least be thankful that the Academy did not waste another nomination for her this year for this role as Best Supporting Actress.

Watching this Little Women was hence a frustrating experience for me. My mind was constantly pre-occupied with figuring out the timeline that was being performed, and distracted by the unconvincing age being portrayed by the actors, robbing a wonderful story of the attention it should have rightfully commanded. Greta Gerwig has not done justice to the novel and should shoulder much of the blame for this debacle.